Things fall

apart BY: CHINUA ACHEBE

CHRISTINE JADE BATAICAN

Chinua Achebe
Albert Chinualumogu Achebe (November 16, 1930—
March 21, 2013).

 Chinua Achebe was born in Nigeria and grew up in the large village of
Ogidi.
 Graduated from the University College of Ibadan.
 Has written several novels, short stories, essays, and children’s books
which criticize society and its people.
 Has received numerous honors from around the world including the
prestigious Honorary Fellowship of the American Academy and Institute
of Arts and Letters.
CHARACTERS

 OKONKWO
Okonkwo is a self-made, well-respected member of the
Umuofia clan. Though outwardly stern and powerful, much of
his life is dictated by internal fear. His greatest, overwhelming
worry is that he will become like his father – lazy, unable to
support his family, and cowardly.
 NWOYE Okonkwo’s oldest son, whom Okonkwo believes is weak and lazy.
 Ezinma The only child of Okonkwo’s second wife, Ekwefi.
 IKEMEFUNA A boy from a neighboring clan, Mbaino, who is given up to
Umuofia as a sacrifice for killing one of the women of Umuofia.
 Mr. Brown The first white missionary to travel to Umuofia.
 Reverend James Smith The missionary who replaces Mr. Brown.
Unoka Okonkwo’s father, of whom Okonkwo has been ashamed since
childhood.
 OBIERIKAC Obierika is Okonkwo's best friend and also a respected man in
Umuofia.
 Ekwefi Okonkwo’s second wife, once the village beauty.
 Enoch A fanatical convert to the Christian church in Umuofia.
 Ogbuefi Ezeudu The oldest man in the village and one of the most
important clan elders and leaders.
 Akunna A clan leader of Umuofia.
Nwakibie A wealthy clansmen who takes a chance on Okonkwo by lending him
800 seed yams—twice the number for which Okonkwo asks.
Mr. Kiaga The native-turned-Christian missionary who arrives in Mbanta
and converts Nwoye and many others.
 Okagbue Uyanwa A famous medicine man whom Okonkwo summons for
help in dealing with Ezinma’s health problems.
Maduka Maduka is the son of Obierika, a man Okonkwo, the protagonist,
confides in often. Maduka is a young man who is skilled at wrestling
and wins a match in entertaining, expert style.
 Obiageli The daughter of Okonkwo’s first wife.
 Ojiugo Okonkwo’s third and youngest wife, and the mother of
Nkechi.
Summary of Chapter 1
Part One of Things Fall Apart emphasizes Okonkwo’s
coming-of-age and his attempts to distance himself from the
disreputable legacy of his father, Unoka. Okonkwo’s tireless efforts
and singular drive, along with his local fame as a wrestling
champion, go a long way in securing him a place among the titled
men of Umuofia. Yet Okonkwo’s zeal frequently leads him astray,
as when he executes Ikemefuna, the young boy who became his
surrogate son after being surrendered to Umuofia by another
village to settle a violent dispute. When the clan elders decide it is
time for Ikemefuna’s execution, an elder named Ogbuefi Ezeudu
warns Okonkwo that he should “not bear a hand in Ikemefuna’s
death.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-hbUhlJmLg
THEME:
The struggle between change and tradition
Fear
Traditions and customs
Sin
LIFE LESSONS

One of the most important moral lessons of

Things Fall Apart is the danger of what we
would now call toxic masculinity. Okonkwo
epitomizes this attitude, even though it damages
those around him, including members of his
own family.
Purpose:
Achebe's primary purpose of writing the
novel is because he wants to educate his
readers about the value of his culture as an
African.
THANK YOU